Seniors wave goodbye to DHS

Special thanks to Richie Williams for the photographs from graduation. Feel free to click the photo for hundreds of pictures of the class of 2026. These can also be found at https://www.southernsnaps.com/p497819992

On May 15, the class of 2026 took a walk across the stage set up on the 40-yard line at JC Sawyers Stadium. This walk symbolized a milestone in their lives - the last hoorah for them at DHS.

The evening opened just before 8:00 p.m. to "Pomp and Circumstance" playing through the sound system for all of Dyersburg to hear as the graduates marched to their seats in preparation for "their night."

Chloe Baker, class of 2026 president, opened the ceremony in prayer. "Let us please bow our heads. Dear Heavenly Father, we would like to thank you for allowing us to gather here today to celebrate the class of 2026. Never let us forget the memories and friendships we have made in the years we have spent together. As we close this chapter of our lives, we thank you for the determination, endurance, and faith that carried us through every challenge and every moment of uncertainty throughout our high school journey. Thank you for being here for us, and thank you for every family member, friend, teacher, and faculty member who supported us over these last four years and made it possible for us to be here today. As we celebrate this milestone, we also take a moment to remember our classmate who is no longer with us Ra’ Sean Jelks. May his memory remain a part of our class forever, and may we carry forward the kindness, laughter, and impact he shared with us. As we leave high school and go our separate ways, I ask that you provide us with guidance and strength as we embark on a new chapter of life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen"

Following the prayer, the DHS choir, including the senior choir members and a solo by Judi-Kaye Justice, sang their rendition of "I Hope You Dance" by LeeAnn Womack.

Bailey Nolen, valedictorian of the class of 2026 then delivered her speech. "Good evening, my name is Bailey Nolen. I would like to begin by thanking everyone for being here tonight. For some, you only had to drive down the road, but for many others, you had to travel a long distance to support the ones you love. That effort does not go unnoticed, and you may never know how much it truly means. No matter how far you traveled to be here, let me be the one to tell you that your support matters and has been an undeniable source of motivation over the years. I would like to personally thank those who helped me on my journey. To my family, thank you for listening to me drone on and on about the little things and never failing to be my safety net and comfort. To my friends, thank you for being there to be silly with, to cry with, and to celebrate with. I will miss you more than you could possibly know. To Mrs. Gam, Mr. VanDyke, and Mrs. Seela, you all have had such an impact on my time at Dyersburg High School. You have shown me the joys of education, but most importantly, the joys of community. Many of the ones I have mentioned had to listen to my many (and admittedly sometimes pointless) questions. I know for many of you sitting in front of me, these questions have been, and still are, a large part of your life. 

At a time like this, the questions can become louder. Sometimes, like me, you may ask silly, pointless questions like “Is there really a pool in the basement?” or “Is Mr. Stenberg really hiding a peg leg under there?” But, many times, the serious questions are the loudest. People ask questions about us, doubt us, and underestimate us. More important than that, though, are the questions we ask ourselves.  “What if I fail?” “What if I am not good enough?” I believe that I speak for many of the Class of 2026 graduates when I say that we have begun asking ourselves, “Is this the one where we hide?” As tempting as it may be to answer yes to this question, the real answer is no. Graduates, I encourage you to reflect on all that you have already accomplished. When I look into this crowd in front of me, I see people with athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, job offers, and limitless opportunities. But, most importantly, I see people with passion. 

Graduates, despite everything the outside world tells you, you define your own measures of success. For some of you, you have already found your passion. Cherish it, hold onto it, and, no matter what, work towards your wildest dreams. For those of you who have not, seek what makes you happy, what fulfills you, and, once you find it, make it happen. No matter what questions may fill your mind, no matter what questions the world may ask you, stay true to yourself and your passions. It is your life, and you decide the answers to all the questions. 

Wherever life may take you after tonight, never forget your roots. Despite the ups and downs of our time here, Dyersburg High School has given us a foundation that we will continue to build on. I believe with utmost confidence that we will look back on our high school years fondly and with grateful hearts. I am grateful for the questions, I am grateful that we can decide the answers, and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Graduates, I am sending you off with confidence that you will continue to make your own success and your own answers.

Let me end by saying, for the sixth or seventh thousandth time, it’s always a great day to be a Trojan. Thank you. "

After the speech, the presentation of diplomas was begun by various DCS board members and principal Kamela Rogers who later congrtulated the students on a great four years and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Trojan Torch wishes the best for all of the graduates of 2026.

The graduates of the class of 2026 are listed below:

Angel Denise Adams

Mekenzi Nevaeh Anderson

Ava Elizabeth Anglin

Erick David Arevalo-Velasquez

Victoria Annabelle Armstrong

Ethan Wyatt Austin

Noah Seth Autry

Chloe Grace Baker

Gavin Isaiah Ball

Mackenize Lashay Benson

Riley Benthal

Jordon Allen Booker

Sanaa Dwan Bradshaw

Taniyah Jalissa Brooks

Destinee Faye Brown

Joshua Lewis Burkett

Johntavion Romell Cannon

Nathan Joseph Caron

James Kruse Carson

Keymyra Nicole Carthen

Keymon Niko Carthen

Rocco Christopher Ciccone

Elisabeth Lanette Clark

Jai Anna Cobb

Kamaria Javae Crews

Mylee Cheyenne Cross

Micah Paige Crowder

D'Zya Dershea Currie

Braylen Marshawn Davis

Olivia Grace Davis

Caleb Joseph Deberry

Aryanna Bianca Dillard

Danny Lynn Ellis

Gage Nicholas Enochs

Dariel Figueroa-Ramos

Adrianna Starr Finch

Brooklyn Rene Fite

Miguel Uriel Florencio

Aiden Demarrion Fowlkes

Jarrett Jerrall Franklin

Carlee Rihanna Friese

Maggie Kate Frye

Keith Jaleel Futch

La'mya Janese Gause

Khori Mikel Gaylor

La'trell Jordan Glass

Lucas Cole Glass

Elian Gonzalez Fonseca

Kendrick Ali Gourley

Jysen Jaydon Grant

Marleigh Brooke Grant

Carma Leigh Green

Taishria Marie Green

Shelby Jean Gullett

Chandler Renee Hale

Ahlona Mercedez Hall

Necari Armez Hall

Varianna Naomi Hazelyn Harbin

Kathleen Alicia Harrell

Sarah Isabella Harris

Delilah Rose Hart

Cameron Blaine Hatchell

Logan Wade Haynie

Aubriana Joselynn Hicks

Brison Santonio Hill

Peyton Matthew Hill

Antonio Marquis Hill

Jordan Layne Holland

Durrell Shelton Hoskins

Lucas Franklin Houchens

Alexander Newton Howell

Reed Alexander Hulen

Maria Grace Hurst

Joshua Tayshaun Jefferies

Damion Clevon Emmitt Jelks

Amaya Nicole Johnson

Demonte Terrell Johnson

Kay Le'Nene Johnson

Aliyah Marie Jones

Lillian Kate Jones

Chelby Nichole Jordan

Judi-Kaye Justice

Calyn Ray'shun Kimble

Catherine Elizabeth Lazure

Elizabeth Jewell Lemons

Addison Nicole Lloyd

Adallani Gleisy Lopez

Tarlaysia Chymier Love

Ann Thomas Lowery

Thomas Shane Luna

Maighonany La'nea Luten

Eric Montrell Manns

Skyler Burke Mansfield

Yurem Gael Martinez

Torius Saville Matthews

Alyssa Brook McClure

Kaleigha Marie McElrath

Emilee Grace McGee

J'Khia Jaree Moore

Aden Thomas Morgan

Jayden Deshun Moses

Peyton Edward-Nicholas Myles

Selena Elizabeth Neal

Thomas Anthony Neal

Bailey Katherine Nolen

Trevin Arbury Nunn

Isabella Grace Odom

Janiya Madeline Owens

Alex Franklin Page

Wesley  Arnette Parr

Ja'mya Partee

Jamia Lynae Patrick

Morgan Elyse Peckenpaugh

Jaxen Bradley Perkins

Seth Christian Pounders

Camariah Aerielle Quinn

Keara Genee Quinton

Trae'Shunna Na'Shae Ragland

Edilberto Ramirez

Jaedon Isaiah Randall

Jackson Taylor Rea

Braxton Slade Reynolds

Cameron Roshawn Rhines

Iliana Makryra Elontegary Richard

D'Quarte Rivers

Lainee Shea Robey

Keegan  Marie Rogers

Christopher Adrian Salinas Serquina

Mya Alecia Shelton

Isaac Dai'shaun Smith

Teddrick Lamar Smith

Preston Scott Sollis

Theresa Kay Stone

Katie Alison Strayhorn

Kamry Quania Taylor

Isaiah James Thomas

Zackery Lee Tibbs

Maria Nicole Vazquez

Natreanah Alese Wallace

Madeline Kathryn Wells

Launa McRae White

Bella Lynn Whitfield

Brenden Ashton Williams

Raelet Lee Wilson

Ava Jade Winegardner

Jayden Kamari Wooden

Peyton Jhe'na Yarbro